The Behringer-Crawford Museum stands as a steward of Northern Kentucky's rich regional history and culture. Through a thoughtfully curated collection of artifacts, ephemera and art, the museum showcases the remarkable artistic talents that have long been a hallmark of the region's cultural identity.

Over the years, the museum has hosted numerous exhibitions that connect visitors to the unique stories of the area. For example, "The Great Outdoors" highlighted the area's connection to Scouting history, starting with the fact that Daniel Carter Beard, founder of Scouting BSA, was a Covington native. The first Scout campouts took place in Devou Park, the very place where the museum now stands.

One of the museum's most treasured collections features the works of Harlan Hubbard, a painter born in Bellevue, Kentucky in 1900. Hubbard's deep connection to the Ohio River inspired his paintings. In the mid-1980s, the Behringer-Crawford Museum became home to what may be the largest public collection of Hubbard's art, preserving his legacy while ensuring public access to these cultural treasures. The museum also safeguards personal historical artifacts, such as the diary collection of Hubbard's mother, spanning from 1906 until her death in 1943.

Behind these cultural preservation efforts stands ArtsWave, whose funding plays a crucial role in supporting the museum's operations. This partnership enables the Behringer-Crawford Museum to extend its reach into the community through educational programs, community events and special exhibitions that highlight regional heritage.

From prehistoric fossils to contemporary art, the Behringer-Crawford Museum offers a comprehensive view of Northern Kentucky's development over time. It serves not just as a repository of artifacts, but as an active participant in community education and cultural engagement. The museum's ability to preserve these stories and make them accessible to the public represents a valuable community resource. Supporting ArtsWave helps to safeguard that ability.

This blog post is based on content from "Better Know Cincy's Arts," featuring the Behringer-Crawford Museum.